Minister ‘will back cull if science supports it’

Wales’ environment minister says he will sanction a cull of badgers if a scientific review confirms it would help eradicate bovine TB in Wales.

During a visit to the Royal Welsh Show, John Griffiths confirmed that he would support a pilot cull next year if the advice supports this course of action.

However, the Welsh Government was accused of “dithering” by the president of NFU Cymru.

Ed Bailey said Wales had been leading the way with a comprehensive programme of measures to deal with bovine TB but the Welsh Government was now prevaricating.

Meanwhile the Farmers’ Union of Wales welcomed the decision to sanction a cull in England.

President, Emyr Jones, said that although there were significant differences between the badger culling proposals in England and Wales, the science made it clear that both approaches could yield major reductions in bovine TB.

“Given the importance of cross-border trade between England and Wales any moves to tackle this devastating disease in England are welcome,” said Mr Jones.

For more from the Royal Welsh Show 2011, see our dedicated web page.